Hawks lead Mendi off-season league

KAWASO Hawks grabbed the lead in the Pastor Isaac Joseph-sponsored Mendi off-season rugby league competition after defeating Brothers 12-4 on Sunday.
Hawks topped the table with 11 points followed by last year’s premiers Giluwe Tigers on nine points while Tarangau and Brothers, who are also in the running for the top four spots, are on seven points each.
According to organising committee member Barclay Tenza, the four teams must win the remaining two games to consolidate their position for the play-offs.
The bottom four teams Bulldogs, Red Hills, Royals and Storms will have to play much harder to squeeze their way into the final four.
It is a mission impossible battle for the lower teams, they need to win or cause an upset to secure a spot for the final series next month.
Tenza said the competition, which kicked off well midway this year, had attracted many unemployed youths in Mendi town and also the vicinity of Upper Mendi villages.
With a lack of organisation and also non-affiliation with PNG Rugby Football League, Pr Isaac took it upon himself to sponsor the competition.
Tenza said the absence of Patron, Pr Isaac did not lessen the fighting spirit of the team who also had several bemobile players included in their respective teams for the Pr Isaac Joseph Cup competition.
He commended Pr Isaac  and Mendi Rugby Football League officials  for their initiative and sponsorship in organising the off-season rugby league competition.
 tournament as an off-season as MRFL is not affiliated to PNGRFL.